40 Responses

No, Bernard…Things that are acceptable in Latin America do not happen at MLS stadiums. Throwing beer may happen from time to time but nearly at the rate you see from Latin soccer fans…not to mention urine and batteries. We don’t require the teams to play in cages and we certainly wouldn’t see fans jumping on those cages and shaking them. It should be an embarrassment to most of their fans but apparently they encourage that behavior. Last nights debacle is just highlight of why I can’t stand most Mexican national team fans and the culture of fans of soccer in Latin America in general.

i have gone to the gold cup games when mexico plays except this one but its always the same someone gets a red card fans throw beer and anything they can the big deal was that the player was coming back most of time the players that get ejected dont care about the fans throwing stuff at them and leave.

I wasn’t at the game, but did see a little on tv last night – I’m a little confused as to how a fight between two people (as reported by the AP story) can be labeled a brawl, this certainly isn’t uncommon at sporting events. As far as the onfield actions go, I think FIFA should hand down some harsh punishment with some multi-game bans and I don’t just mean bans for Gold Cup games – those bans should carry over to club play.

Class LESS. I was in attendance and 12 rows up half way between the Mexico and Panama benches. Bad for the sport, bad for soccer in Houston. You are correct, it gives soccer haters ammunition against the sport. It makes promoters question the location (Houston) and venue for future events. It makes me wonder if Houston will ever get a chance to host a USMNT match that doesn’t involve Mexico. There were fights in the stands during the last friendly here in Houston. I love the Mexican fans passion for the game, I hold disdain for the Mexico fans that think they need to become part of the match by throwing objects at players and referees (however bad the calls might be). Although these people are few in number compared to the total crowd it is inexcusable and unacceptable. It’s bad sportsmanship, poor etiquette and tasteless. BUT the REAL action that was classless and deplorable was Mexican coach Aquirre’s tripping of the Panama player that went into the bench area after a hard fought play on a ball that traveled over the touch line. First, the Mexican assistant coach spits in Frankie Hejduk’s face after the qualifier earliear this year, now the Head Coach trips a player (he admitted his action). What a Leader! Bernardo, why do you think it is the referee’s fault for not controlling this type of action? Where is the accountability for being a member of a once world class futbol team? Wow, Mexico in dissaray. Good on ’em. That’s why they are sinking fast.

Are you a referee Bernardo? I’m only asking because it’s a whole different game from that viewpoint. I am one, so I may be biased, but before I crush Aguilar for doing poorly, I have to wonder what you think he could have done differently? I only saw the second half and didn’t think he had done anything wrong. It certainly is no one’s fault but Aguirre’s that he intentionally kicked a player.

Josh: I’m not a ref (though I am — in no way kidding here — seriously considering going down that route. It’s a great way to stay in shape and remain close to the game. Plus, after five years of writing, I’m used to the insults by now). I did think Aguilar lost control of this match early on. I’d ask you to watch the first half and then get back to me. Maybe I just bought into what the coaches said too much. But evidently the game got out of hand there in the end. BF

So I watched the game and final 10-20 minute debocle on tv last night, I do agree that it was a very physical match. That was what Panama needed to do to stay in the game, and the ref was not really trying to keep it ‘square’ from the first whistle. By the time he tried to regain control it was too late, he was reactive instead of proactive. The spiral started there and the only thing it needed was a spark to ignite the fuel, thank you Aguire for blowing the roof off of the building. It is not his responsibility to try to ‘stop’ the ball from going out of play and to get a quick restart. He knows that, the incidental contact that followed was completely unneccesary, let the ball boys/gals take care of that kind of stuff. I know that Panama was trying to kill of the clock, it is something I have seen el tri do NUMEROUS times, and i guess it is a case of ‘whats good for the goose…’. Basically this game was bad decision after bad decision, culminating in a complete loss of control to finish the game.On to the knuckle-headed fans near the field, you might have just watched your last mexican national team game in Reliant due to these actions. I have been to ALL of the matches that Reliant holds for international soccer, all of the ones that had mexico playing ALWAYS had some kind of altercations, whether it be in the stands or outside of the stadium, they were always there. I thought the need for more security and police was blatantly obvious about 5 years ago…i suppose not. I hate to use a broadbrush right now but i’m going to, the el tri fans are horrible losers, winners, and it is worse when they tie! Given the pressure they were under last night in the media/fans eyes, they needed a result and they failed to produce. So what do they do? They resort to throwing things on the field in an attempt to injure players on the pitch?!?! Are you kidding me? Class-less does not even begin to describe it, over the years I am starting to see a disturbing trend with these games and what teams tend to elicite certain responses. All in all, you only hurt the game; even more so at our local Houston level. Are promoters willing to put up these events with the history starting to build? As much as I hate to say it I think the chances of another USA/Mexico match here might have dwindled to nothing and that just plain sucks. I would love to show my son the positive and beautiful side to the world’s game but events like this makes it very difficult to explain and rationalize. I would love to hear some pro-mexican arguments from ppl who were at the game, I know the officiating was bad but enough to try to INJURE players on the other team?I hope for a different experience for my family at next week’s game at the new Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Jerry Jones will have riot police in the stands to ensure nothing bad happends to his Palace of all Sporting Events! Also for all of you soccer know-nothings…I love all sports, not just soccer(futbol); you name it and I can go all day with it. If your brain is not capable of handling more than about 4 sports, don’t worry bubba I got you covered. You just worry about the next winner in the HGH jackpot.BF, what is the explanation/fallout from the Mexican Media side?

Mexico’s National Team involved in yet another display of classlessness? Say it aint so. I mean this is the national team who

1)had an assistant coach attack a U.S. MNT player after a game

2) Had a goalkeeper caught on tape telling another team to stop attacking because “both of our teams have qualified with the current result”

3) Has an Uruguayan foward who was caught on video telling a Honduran player” Well we may have lost, but I’m going to Europe and your stuck here in Honduras,”

Really is anybody really surprised by the way this team behaves. From top to bottom the Mexico MNT is a disgrace. Aguirre should have never obstructed Phillips. Phillps should not have pushed Aguirre, but frankly the Vasco had it coming.

BF, I got my first referee patch in 1977. I’ve seen some good games and some bad ones. As a general rule you call the first few mins tight to establish control, then , if the game allows, you can ease up a bit to let the game be played as it will. But only if the game allows. Once the game is gone, it’s gone, and nothing you can do will get it back. We all knew this would be a tough match with very physical play. The Mexican side is in an impossible position. Enough said.

I hate that this happened in Houston. The game has started to earn some respect. Even the president knew to frown when given an autographed Brazilian jersey, but now the idiots will be even more vocal in the press and the taverns across the country.

As for the game, El Tri did not bring the fluid play that I had hoped for. They seemed stiff with flashes of flair but not the team that dominated North America for so long. No doubt the physical play of Panama was a factor, but not enough to justify the overall tone.

Above all, it was a fun international quality match until the last bit and that’s always fun. Wish I’d been able to be there.

I am Panamanian and was at the game last night. I had 24 friends and family members from all corners of the country converge at Reliant to celebrate the game we love and play and to have some fun supporting Panama. They were all in shock and in fear!

I have been to these games before but last night was the clincher. The classless display in the stands and on the field was atrocious. Aguirre’s actions were uncalled for and should be punished by FIFA. My respect for the guy has gone from 10 to 0. I admire him for being one of a handful of LatinAmericans to coach in a top-flight European league(La Liga)but last night was unbelievable!! “El Paton” Phillips could do nothing else than defend himself from the high kicking coach. What an idiot!!

What in the world are the promoters thinking when they don’t pay for enough security at these events. All of the people in my group were commenting about the non existence of police presense. What were they thinking?? Did they know what happened 2 years ago in the same match-up? Holy Moly!! I saw less than 6 cops the whole night, before the fracass. I saw 12 afterwards. I don’t blame the cops. I would not want to be around the tons of idiots throwing stuff either. It will be interesting to see how Jones handles his security in Dallas.

Panmanian players are hard players. The style they played last night is not an anomaly, they just play very physicalsoccer. Mexico cannot handle that. That is why our USA lads kick their butts on a regular basis now. The problem that Mexico has at this time is that they need a paradigm shift in their mentality. They are not the only Big DOg in CONCACAF! They may not be a big dog anymore. Their contempt for their CONCACAF opponents needs to be shelved and they neeed to play everygame like they are undedogs not the Ancient, Ailing, Stunbling, ex-King of CONCACAF. Pa’Lante Panama!! Go USA!!!

I watched most of the 2nd half of the match on t.v. Was there a brawl on the field? It did not look like so from the tv coverage. After the Coach tried to trip the player and some shoving happened, I thought the players did well. The argued some, but I think once they all too a look at the replay they realized the coach screwed up. I would have liked to seen the Mexican captain walk off the field with the ejected Panama player as he had to walk to the tunned to show the fans they were out of hand and to stop throwing things. The fans will respond to leaders who show good sportsmanship.

I love passion, but passion is not throwing bottles and starting fights. I hope this does not hurt our chances for future matches as we always have a high turnout.

I’m a referee also, and watched the game on TV. I don’t think there is much else the ref could have done. Panama was intent on playing physically, and Mexico handled it poorly.

Aguirre’s actions and the fans antics are in no way the referee’s fault.

I’m also a Dynamo season ticket holder, and one thing is very clear to me. Unless officials running these matches take security more seriously there will be a bad incident at some point. Even after Perez was hit in the 90th, there was only two police officers within 10 feet, and they were staring at the player, not up into the stands.

This has become the typical display for the Mexico team. If something is not going their way, they start with the fights and the hard fouls and the constant complaining. This time they allowed their coach to get into the action. Mexico officials should relieve him of his duties following his actions. The last thing they need is more negative publicity (their play and results are negative enough). Including the team and fans, Mexico came away from this match as a complete disgrace to soccer and sports in general.

BF, what do you think the fallout will be for Aguirre?

A slap on the wrist. He apologized. He said there was no malice in his actions. That has to be considered. BF

Seemed like the ref didn’t have very good control of the match….but it was plodding along without significant incident.

UNTIL Mexico Coach Javier Aguirre lit the proverbial match. Whether he intentionally kicked the player (which I choose to believe) or merely made incidental contact while attempting to stop the ball, he left the bench area and interfered with play and in doing so caused the lid to come off the cauldron.

The cauldron created by El Tri’s continued struggles in regional competitions that it used to dominate and their fans’ frustrations with same.

While I feel badly for Reliant and the promoters, a fair amount of the remaining responsibility rests on their shoulders. I have always thought the international soccer inadequately staffed there from vendors right on up to security.

The other thing they may need to do in the future is to have Mexico play the opening match of a doubleheader. This is what was done four (two?) years ago in the Quarters where they lost. Sure fans were upset, but they left and the remaining 5000 of us could watch the second match in peace.

Thanks for the explanation. I was there in person yet had little clue what was really going on, oddly enough, being without the benefit of close-up camera shots, replays and TV announcers. I just saw a bunch of players on the field and that the Mexican coach got red carded.

I feel you. We don’t get replays, either, other than the ones they choose to display on the big screen. BF

i was at the game, we got the cheap seats cuz we thought the game wasn’t worth more than 30 dollars, anywho, before the mexico game started, we got asked by someone from the stadium if we wanted to move lower to sec. 333. so we did, ok my point? i was at the game, also, from watching the game live and then watching some of the highlights, i have to say, the game got out of hand when the Panama player took out Ochoa when he was in the air, that was a play to get carded, either color, i would have been ok with, it was a viscious foul, you don’t tackle a keeper when he’s in the air. if you’ve ever play soccer, you would know, you just don’t do that. so in my opinion, that’s where the ref lost the game, after that play, the players saw that there was no card for that, so they went “tackle happy”

Unfortunately, a typical classless performance by the Mexican national team and supporters. Why anyone is surprised at the lack of class and sportsmanship is beyond me at this point, we see it all the time with El Tri and the Mexican club teams. The coaches now seem to be in the same category as Marquez and Sanchez for cheap shots.

On the refs, it must be something with Gold Cup games at Reliant that makes them brutal (remember the Costa Rica-Mex game in 2007 that ended up 10-v-7 I think with “Bloodsport” Terry Vaughn in the middle) but the teams have part in the blame, too and it seems that having these be “home games” for Mexico adds to the problems because the refs call these games a bit one-sided I think.

I have no sympathy at all for the Texans and Lone Star Sports. They know exactly what they are getting into by renting out Reliant to the Mexican team (essentially) and having 9:00 games with guys loaded up on alcohol and not having enough security. They are lucky they haven’t had a riot yet with people hurt. I don’t care if this spoils it for Mexico at Reliant, it’s insulting enough that the US won’t play here because we are seen as an away game.

As for security, it is woefully understaffed for these games and I disagree with your thought that they do enough (If I recall you mentioned you worked security in college or something). If you want real security, go see the 2004 Super Bowl at Reliant and the pat downs there. Even then the streaker ran on the field. The security at the US-Mexico game last year was a joke and the Houston cops were scared too. That stadium was a powder keg ready to explode with any incident and no way to stop it.

I would bet and guarantee that we will unfortunately have a soccer crowd “incident” in the US before too long and I will be that it will involve the Mexican national team or a Mexican club team.

Now, let’s not forget lack of class was displayed by players and fans on both sides of the ball. That said, yes, the crowd was mostly pro-Mexico; it was also mostly well-behaved. And I hear what you’re saying about the Mexican team developing a reputation. Facts are facts, and lately we have seen our share of unsportmanlike incidents. Oh, yeah. You’re right. I worked for CSC (the 5-Star of that day) for a short time while in college. BF

I agree with what most have posted on this particular subject. Could the ref had established control earlier in the game? Sure, but as a fan of soccer/futbol you realize that some games are not called all that way by the officials, that is part of the game. All the players and coaches from both teams can expect that some games the calls will not go there way but I think everyone truly believes that this is a part of the game that all have to live with. I watch Argentina league futbol and Brasilian futbol and therefore have seen the fencing they have in many of the stadiums as a result of the passion and intensity from the crowd. It is a shame that it has to be that way and I applaud the European leagues for controlling their crowds for the most part and thus not having to separate the crowd from the players. No doubt things get tossed onto the field of play, this happens in many sports (hats in hockey or squids, the artest incident in Indiana and batteries at players in Phili for NFL etc). However there should be a closed circuit network of camera’s like they have in many of the English stadiums so that the authorities can identify who through stuff on the field.

I understand that many times teams come together and have heated conversations but this is not the norm, usually there may be two players who become involved the they yell and then move on with the game. In this game as well as many other Mexican national team games it seems the tempers are elevated when the entire team decides to get involved in the skirmish. This is a recurring theme for the Mexican national team especially when playing teams from CONCAF. Their coach should be aware of this and the players should be aware of it. Arguing calls and yelling at the other teams players is not part of the gameplay and should be minimized as much as possible and also encouraged by the national team organizers and sponsors should be fair play and control of emotions because of precedent. The Mexican coaches actions were inexusable. He said he was at fault and he is right to admit it. A opposing player should never be touched during the game by the opposing coach or coaching staff unless it is to help him up or a friendly pat on the back. The player from Panama probably overeacted a bit and should have received a yellow but the actions of the coach should have been considered. I think the Mexican Coach should at a bare minimum serve a 2 game suspension and I would not be surprised if Reliant refuses to host any other Mexican National team games after the fans actions.

Bernardo, I was remiss in that it does take two to tango in many of these physical games, Panama did clobber Ochoa. And of course not all supporters are bad, but this has been going on in the US with Mexican fans for years (Rose Bowl, LA Coliseum, Chicago) and just seems to be building and getting worse. That said, there has been trouble in most Central American countries with crowds as well.

To some degree, it all adds to the excitement and passion, but it’s getting closer to legitimate tipping point.

I hear you. Your points are excellent. I just wanted to remind folks that both sides had their share of regretable actions. I didn’t mean to target your posting, specifically. BF

If the Mexican national team fans don’t want to become one of the pariahs of world soccer, they need to clean up their acts.

Of course it isn’t all of the fans or even most.. but it happens consistently enough and by enough Mexican NT fans to garner the disrespect they are now getting.

I would have loved to have taken my five year old girl and eleven year old boy to this match, but I knew most likely there would be bad behavior… so I didn’t.. and wow.. I was proven right…

Come on people.. get your act together and show no matter how your team performs you are great fans who can travel anywhere in the world and not act like idiots.

Also… if you throw beer, batteries.. urine bombs.. whatever.. you are a LOSER at life and I hope nothing but bad things occur to you, because that is what you deserve.. no matter what country or team you root for.

I disagree with the part of the venue & hosts having good security or doing a good job. They are overzelous when it doesn’t matter (such as with confetti or when you’re standing to support your team) but (for example) won’t provide sufficient security to players being pelted with debris. Just look at some pictures, for example where one hpd officer is laughing at the Panama player that was on the ground.

Well it may come to pass that those powers at Reliant Stadium will be reluctant to ever schedule another soccer match with Mexico playing or any soccer match for that matter. So this expedition of poor sportsmanship and no class will hurt the game of soccer for all concerned. Its bad enough to have these actions on the field now we have it in the stands too. It seems that some who attend are eager and willing to get into a fight to “defend the honor” of their team. I have seen this attitude at some of the Dynamo games, especially after the game in the parking lot. Too bad, this hurts ticket sales especially at a time when Dynamo fans are looking forward to a new stadium.

I would disagree with the assessment that there was not enough security provided to players being pelted with debris. Unless you have an army in the stands with riot gear, you can not stop someone from throwing debris on the field. If you noticed, when the Panamaian player was escorted off the field, he was surrounded by police and security. Same with the officals.

Also, I am sure you noticed that the Panamanian team did not leave the field until all the fans around that tunnel were cleared out. Most of the fans left willingly but HPD did end having to arrest a few fans who refused to leave at that point.

The actions by El Tri were pretty bad but that can be attributed to frustration as they have been getting rolled up lately in games that matter. As for the fans, that is another matter. It might be some time before El Tri plays here again.

Before this game, the general consensus was that the Mexican national team program was in crisis mode. Clearly, this was wrong because they managed to stoop a little lower last night. Fans often reflect their teams (i.e. Raiders), and the crowd problem is not far off from the petulance, sense of entitlement, and cheap shot taking of so many of the Mexican A team. I really expected more class out of the less established B team that is in the Gold Cup, and certainly more out of the coach brought in to rescue the team from the past two coaches who were supposed to rescue the team, but there’s a real organizational and identity problem with the Mexican national team program. I’m not even a fan of the Mexican team, but it’s very disappointing to see your chief rival in such dire straits. I think the consequences of the program’s lack of stable leadership and the Mexican league’s meddling wtih the national team program (two distinct but related problems) are begining to really show. The answer wasn’t with a domestic coach, it wasn’t with a foreign coach, it wasn’t with domestic players, it sure as hell isn’t with foreign based players, it’s a self-inflicted problem with the system. The system was probably always broken, even in successful years, just that the flaws could be masked with an abundance of talent and a historically weak CONCACAF.

As for the ref, could he have kept control? Maybe, maybe not. It’s not the ref’s game, it’s the players’ game. I won’t fault a ref for his mistakes in a game until I play a perfect game. I won’t, nobody has, and he’s a human on the field just like everybody else. Soccer games never come down to the ref. Ever. A close game doesn’t come down to a wrong call, it should’ve never been close to begin with.

Finally Bernardo, if I were you, I’d really reconsider being a ref. I think I’ve read somewhere that you have no experience playing experience at a competitive level (and by competitive I mean college or above, or ODP at the youth level). I don’t think you’re qualified to write about soccer, much less referee what goes on in the course of play. Let’s put it this way: I’ve never played organized American football. I can enjoy an NFL game like 99% of the viewership, but I can’t begin to appreciate the depths of the game, such as hand technique, footwork, positioning, field sense, etc. I certainly can’t spot a holding penalty before it’s called. My friends who’ve played college football can talk about those things, I can’t.

So yeah, it’s ironic for you to mention the quality of the refereeing and then propose to add to the problem. No thanks.

Oh, hey, Texquire. Long time no see. You’re right. I didn’t play at the college or pro level. Didn’t have time. Too busy learning a new language growing up here. My HS didn’t have a team and neither did the U I went to. Worked since 15 to help support the fam. Other priorities, my friend. You love to point that out. For what? I don’t know. To discredit me? Knock yourself out. How many sports writers played the game they cover? Not many. Stempel called the refeere a disgrace; Aguirre also criticized it. Maybe they don’t anything about soccer, either. It’s an opinion. Live with it. Want just the facts? Read the story. See if I discredit the referee there. This is a blog. Learn the difference. And, as always, thanks for stopping by. BF

Every time a little incident happens it turns out to be Mexico’s fault and we are reminded how the U.S. has a monopoly in this Fair Play business and how Tri fans are a bunch of savages that would want nothing better than to scalp some one with beer and plastic cups, maybe toss some nachos around for good measure. Well, they don’t. and we can talk about all the Stadiums in ConCaCaf that have been vetoed too while we’re at it.

Now, of course I kid about being a “little incident” last night. Javier Aguirre done one of the stupidest things of seen all my life. I guess he took that thing about getting the team kick started quite literally. From there it just went to Hell on a hand basket. From section 137 row J the horror was apparent, it was like watching a cat get run over and how the poor animal struggles by jumping up and down gasping for it’s last breath. You really don’t wanna watch but you just can’t help it.

Fights were on demand left and right. Even up on the expensive suites you had guys giving out punches like candy. But the worst that happened to me was that I got stabbed in the back by a couple paper airplanes. They should ban paper, beer, plastic and Mexican fans from any future soccer games !!!

I have a three page document that I prepared for Jamie Rootes and the Lone Star Entertainment folks on how to make more money and “do it with safety in mind first” for future professional association football events at Reliant.

They requested my input and I was willing to take the time to outline the steps needed to increase profits and herald the need for safety in the stands. I prepared this in 2004.

Unfortunately my suggestions were not put into place because out of my many points to raise Lone Stars capacity in hosting these soccer events, my main concern was integrated seating and the ripe field it yields for a scuffle, a brawl or an out and out donnybrook.

The Texans FO has a tremendous amount of explaining to do because in our digital age there are now YouTube clips out there of what went down at Reliant last night. It has tarnished the sport in the eyes of our often cynical U.S. sporting media, it has dented Houston’s tremendous footy fans that indeed love the world’s game and on a personal level as a man that has spent the last 11 years of his life growing the sport here on the youth, USL, Dynamo and international level via our inner city soccer programs, our old USL Hurricanes FC and by volunteering to help out our USSF/CONCACAF reps when they come to H-Town by working the past USSF Festivals and Gold Cups…I am seeing Battle Red right now.

What was allowed to transpire last night is squarely on the Texans FO for looking to turn the “quick buck” without giving international association football its proper respect. If in college gridiron the home University can deliver some scope of segregated seating for better fan enjoyment and better safety, then why on Earth can’t our Texans FO deliver the same? Do the Wembley Stadium folks put Scots and Englishmen mixed together for a match at their stadium, NO! And why not???…because there is a right way to do things and a wrong way to do things. If you ever work in the oil industry around here like many local guys like me have, from oil field hand, to roustabout to corporate suit, the mindset is always “Safety First!”. Last night is example 1A of what happens when money is put ahead of public safety.

Btw, the ref was out of his depth for this match. Memo Ochoa did more to help the situation settle down. Ochoa was offering solutions when the ref continued to offer more problems.

I was one of the lucky ones to get moved from the cheap seats down to section 333 as well. I had no horse in the race, so I didn’t care who won. I simply went to the game to see a good match–not a boxing match or WWE episode. I LOVE the passion the fans have. I’ve never seen a wave go around the stadium that many times with that much enthusiasm. I loved hearing the fans cheer for their favorite players; no matter the team. What I didn’t love was the violence brought to the game. Both teams were excessively rough. Both teams whined. But, most importantly, when a coach makes contact with a player on the field, it’s just WRONG! I don’t care if he lost his head for 2 minutes or 2 seconds. As a referee, coach & player, I feel bad for the game since we will now have to recover soccer’s reputation because of the actions of grown men–on and off the field.

I am not a soccer fan and just read the blog to see what the general feeling was from actual soccer fans. What gets me is how many people talk about there not being enough security. What does it say about your sport when it appears you need riot police in place for a match to be played? I am all for rooting for a team and being vocal but, throwing things, starting fights, and in general endangering other fans is just crazy. I am sure I will now be ripped as the unintelligent American that just does not understand soccer.

You’re right. I didn’t play at the college or pro level. Didn’t have time. Too busy learning a new language growing up here. My HS didn’t have a team and neither did the U I went to. Worked since 15 to help support the fam. Other priorities, my friend.

You’re not impressing me with the sob story. You know why? Because I played, youth, ODP, high school, college, and semi-pro. Like you, I also worked during that time to support my family. Like you, English isn’t my family’s native language. I also earned a full-ride (academic) to undergrad, and put myself through an advanced degree. And now, I make a living in the written and spoken word. You see, my job has barriers to entry, like a minimal degree requirement, a license exam, certification, and continuing education. I don’t recall that for reporters, much less sports writers. So, I started out from humbler roots than yours and got farther. So, no, your story does not impress me. Nor do I expect my story to impress anybody else. But you went first.

You love to point that out. For what? I don’t know. To discredit me? Knock yourself out. How many sports writers played the game they cover? Not many.

Cover it, fine. You’re entitled to an opinion. Just remember that when the foreign press criticizes American soccer coverage as being unknowledgeable, they may have a point. I have no interest in covering stories about apartment fires because I have no experience with those (based on the coverage though, somebody at the Chronicle is a apartment fire savant).

Stempel called the refeere a disgrace; Aguirre also criticized it. Maybe they don’t anything about soccer, either.

This is a logical fallacy, and shame on you for using it. Just because you share the same conclusion as someone more knowledgeable on the topic of referring, doesn’t make you as knowledgeable as they are. Even a broken clock is right twice a day. And no, I wasn’t impressed with the refereeing either. My points on the refereeing is that (1) the players need to blame themselves first (as in that atrocious Panama goal that was scored between at least two Mexican defenders who were apparently scared of contact) and (2) assuming refereeing is bad at all levels, you’re not helping the problem by becoming one.

It’s an opinion. Live with it. Want just the facts? Read the story. See if I discredit the referee there. This is a blog. Learn the difference. And, as always, thanks for stopping by. BF

My, you seem a bit sensitive there. Here’s my opinion: The Chronicle does a disservice to its readers by placing soccer coverage with someone who has such a thin knowledge base on the topic. There are many, many soccer players graduating every year that can write. Heck, I don’t recall college graduation being a requirement for a reporter (it wasn’t for Peter Jennings). In other words, there’s virtually no barrier to entry for the job. That’s my opinion, live with it. Want just the facts? Here’s a few: your circulation is way down, I cheerfully pay several times more for home delivery of the WSJ, NYT, and FT, but not the Chronicle. Here’s another fact: Greg Lalas, Julie Foudy, Brandi Chastain, and Eric Wynalda cover soccer for various media. You need thicker skin if you’re going to offer your opinion publicly.

And, I do know the difference between a blog and a news story. The difference is that blogs are giving your medium a thrashing that no amount of Macy’s underwear advertisements and Best Buy circulars can solve.

So yes, it was a bad day for Mexican and Panamanian soccer. The referee was in over his head, and he wasn’t helped by the players or coaches. A bad ref can’t ruin a game any more than a great ref—getting every call right—can create a great game out of snoozer.

Sob story? Hardly. I share that with you with pride. I was 14 when I moved to the States along with a mother and a sister. There’s a difference, but you wouldn’t know. Or maybe you would. Who am I to assume? Sensitive, me? Nah. I’m as insensitive as they come. We’ll stop right here by just pointing out that Lalas, Foudy, Chastain, and Wynalda cover the sport mostly for TV (Web in Lalas’ case) as analysts. I never said the ref alone ruined the game. I say he lost a grip on the game, and that was a factor. For the most part, what ruined the game was the boneheaded action by some players, a coach and some fans. And, yes, I’m happy to hear you have done well for yourself. We need more people like you to help keep this great country going. BF

where do we start…well i read your blog. thanks for putting houstoncentric football on chroncom.

the gold cup really does not seem to have any relavance, except to fill the cofers profit margin. europe and others do it too. any u.s. tournements (superliga especially)seem to have similar characteristics (bad officating, bad pitches, bad selections, bad security, bad supporters, bad matchups, etc.).

these types of displays will limit the international football (including anglo)culture from interacting w/hooliagnism practices here in houston. i will not take my children to this ever. it was a stretch to take my family to see the blaugrana here a few years back, eventhough I knew I had to, since the travel involved to go to spain was not accesible with my budget.

does anybody remeber what options we had in the mid-eighties?

this is bad for everybody.

so as a communtity bernardo, what are we left to do? watching a 2rd rate domestic league is not the answer (although mls playoffs are fun).

i guess tune-up matches such as the colombia game will suffice for now.

I expected so much more from El Vasco. wtf?

my family will support our local club (eclispe, dale)and watch goltv until everybody gets their act together, or not. just a fan with kids that is dispuesto to support quality football (in houston)D K VENGA. VISCA BARCA, NO JODA.

For those of you who claim there was not enough security there Thursday night, we had the same amount of security staff around the field as there is for a Texans game. Yet we have not heard about any such incidents during the seven or so seasons the Texans have been existence. Soccer is a great sport but the bottom line is that it does not bode well for the sport when it appears that a huge police presence will need to be deployed to keep order during any match.

Texquire, Bernardo doesn’t need anyone’s help to defend himself, but allow me to butt in and say that if you have a personal observation to make about someone, shouldn’t you know him first? Have you ever even met Bernardo? Would you say that to his face? I’m always amazed how many times people post on these and other sites remarks that they would never have the guts to say to someone personally, because if you had the guts to do that, you wouldn’t be posting it here. Strange behavior.

As far as the game, Aguirre’s apology is nice and all Bernardo, but I really don’t think that should be considered one iota. A coach of a team took a swipe at an opposing player. I’m glad he’s sorry and all, which proves he’s not a total jerk, but he needs to do something now he did not do when he lost his head: Namely, man up and accept severe punishment for a serious infraction.

FIFA (and CONCACAF) cannot allow coaches to to engage in behavior of that sort, not now, not ever. If it were Bob Bradley, I’d be calling for him to be fired. The punishment should be far more severe for coaches than for players. Aguirre should serve a minimum of a 5-game suspension and $20,000 fine from FIFA, who should also demand that the FMF take action as well. If you are a coach you should know better, and also know that if you screw up, you will and should be hit hard.

Bernardo, I would highly recommend getting certified to ref. Even from the start, the money is pretty nice, the exercise is good, and the enjoyment of officiating a good game is close to playing in one.

For the record when coaches say the ref was horrible it means almost as much as you or I saying it. I’ve had games where one coach said it was the worst he’d ever seen and the other commended me for my abilities. I’ve had other games where both coaches ripped me a new one but my mentors told me I did exactly the right thing. I’ve had games where both coaches said I did a great job but my mentors were not thoroughly pleased.

Sorry Rey playing your entire life at various levels does not mean you understand how to ref a game. I give you everyone on the American broadcasting team as exhibit A.

Texquire,

WHo is Greg Lalas? Are you referring to Alexi or is that Alexi’s man name?

This game was embarassing for soccer fans everywhere…not just in Houston! I love the game so much that I wanted to take my 10 year old daughter and enjoy two great countries playing the world’s greatest game in the probably the most awesome stadium in America! What I witnessed along with my daughter was absolutely hard to explain to a 10 year old little girl. How do you explain the objects flying onto the field as well as the constant profanity in english and in spanish. These same adults who participated in this vulgar behavior were displaying their disdain right in front of their own children! Now I will say that I do have great respect for paying customers wearing the El Tri colors who were respectful not only to me but my daughter as well. Unfortunately the bad apples ruined the event for everyone else. Hopefully, international soccer will return to Reliant but I do not see the El Tri returning anytime soon. That is sad because like the Brazlian fans, Mexico has great, passionate fans too! However, the few El Tri followers need to be controlled or no one will want to officiate any of their matches!

The thing is the article is exactly what i thought you would write, you don’t condem the mexican coach for what he did, you blame panama fans and mexicans fans equally when we can cleary see its 7-2. i have a feeling you are mexican because if you had roots from any other country you would not be reporting blindly

Luis, my friend. A) This is not an article (if you want the artile click on the link; there’s the Panama coach saying what he thinks happened, and there’s Aguirre giving his take as to what happened. B) I am not Mexican or have Mexican “roots.” You see, I try not to make assumptions because assumptions often get you in trouble, make you look foolish. Read the article. Again, it describes what happens, and each side’s take on it. It also points out the crowd was heavily pro-Mexico. But can I say that what Aguirre did was, besides boneheaded, malicious in nature? No, because only he knows whether that was the case and he didn’t admit as much. Can I say only Mexico fans (notice I don’t say Mexican fans because not every Mexico fan is Mexican) got into altercations and/or threw objects onto the field? No, because that was not the case, unless you happened to see every fight and can tell me for certain they all involved Mexico fans fighting each other.

Again, assumptions are risky. Tricky. And are often proven wrong. As was the case with yours. BF

The “incident” led me to visit many different locations (blogs, forums, newspapers, etc.) to get various takes on what happened. Your blog was just one of many sites I visited.

Here is my take take on what happened and the responses encountered:

(1) SOME of the Mexico fans behaved HORRIBLY. However, the general bashing of the Mexico fans has got to stop – too much of it is broad-brushed and smells of racism.

(2) The referee didn’t exactly do a bang-up job -but the players on BOTH teams made his job very difficult with all of the cheap, late tackles. Ultimately it is the PLAYERS that dictate how the game will be played – not the referee.

(3) In my opinion, it did not appear that Aguirre attempted to injure the Panamanian player with that lame “kick”. Stupid yes, malicious no. Still, he is an idiot and should be removed as coach of the MNT. Would the coach of any other major soccer federation survive this incident?

(4) The Mexico team and fans need to stop complaining about how their opponent plays the game. To borrow a comparison from the other football: that’s like complaining the other team “didn’t want to play” because they consistently ran the ball off-tackle instead of throwing it. There is NOTHING wrong with a team trying to protect a lead (or, in the case of this game, a tie). The Italians have been playing this way for as long as I can remember.

(5) There is a tendency of some Latin-American fans to over-romanticize their team’s style of play. In turn, they characterize the USMNT as, let’s just say, less than skillful. The goal is to WIN – not to play “the beautiful game” while losing. I am sick to death of hearing how “fluid”, “artistic” and “creative” their teams are – followed by how the USMNT is “just athletic”, “plays kickball” and is “defensive”. At the very least those characterizations should be reserved for the rare occasions that their team actually manages to win the game.